Michaelangelo Virus Disables Floppy Drive (79090)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.1
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.2
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.21
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.3
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.3a
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.01
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0a
This article was previously published under Q79090

SUMMARY

The error message "general failure error" may occur when trying to access a floppy drive on a system infected by the Michaelangelo virus. If the virus is present, the error message can occur regardless of which MS-DOS version is running at the time. If the machine is booted from a floppy disk, the virus is inactive and the error message will not be displayed.

MORE INFORMATION

If the Michaelangelo virus is present on a hard drive, it will disable (make unreadable) the boot record of any floppy disk (that is not write-protected) when the disk drive is accessed. The virus resides in the partition table and cannot be destroyed by repartitioning.

NOTE: McAfee's ScanV82 can detect this virus. The code name for the Michaelangelo virus is "MICH." For more information about this virus detection software, contact McAfee Associates at:

McAfee Associates
4423 Cheeney Street
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 988-3832

The product included here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the product's performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/25/2003
Keywords:KB79090
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.